The best: cool and quirky coffee shops and cafes in Manchester

Nexus Art Cafe is a quirky creative space hidden away in a basement at the heart of the city centre.
In this cosy and colourful cafe you will be treated to comfy seating and amazed by its tiny and tranquil secret garden. The menu features mouth wateringly delicious homemade cakes, soups, snacks and smoothies plus speciality teas and a wide range of coffees. This is a great place to curl up with a book, admire local art and meet up with likeminded individuals. This not-for-profit café supports local grassroots organisations and strives towards supporting sustainable community development projects.

This is a welcoming and budget friendly cafe that could be easily missed as you hurry along Oldham street. The Potty Kitchen is renowned for its great breakfasts and tasty traditional snacks including buttered crumpets and toasted teacakes. There’s a delightful mis-match of crockery and tempting displays on the cafe’s bright yellow welsh dresser. Ask the owner about the eye-catching art installation and he will regale you with its history. On a nice day grab a table outside as this is one of Manchester’s finest people watching spots.

This unique concept cafe tucked away on the first floor of a building in the Northern Quarter was the brainchild of a Russian poet who launched his first cafe on the streets of Moscow back in 2010.
At this comfortable and dog friendly home-from-home everything is free, except for the time you spend there. Help yourself to an amazing array of hot and cold drinks, breakfast cereals, snacks and cakes. It costs just 8p a minute to sit in the impressive and welcoming sitting room/dining room where you can grab a book from the shelves, knock out a tune on the piano or tap into the free WIFI and get some work done.

This delightful hidden gem is nestled among the studios of Manchester artists in the city’s former fish market. Worth a visit to see the shining example of Victorian Architecture and bask in the calm and creative surroundings. Oak Street Cafe is open from 10-4.30pm Mon to Sat and has a pleasant outdoor seating area in one of the Northern Quarter’s quieter spots. With a constantly changing menu of exciting dishes this is a super little place for coffee and cake or a hearty but wholesome lunch. Tasty vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes are also available.

This unique Japanese tea house offers an authentic zen experience with Japanese tea made and served according to tradition in tranquil surroundings. The owner aims to offer a mindful and meaningful tea tasting experience and guests are required to observe Japanese etiquette and adhere to a few house rules. Your tea is prepared in front of you by knowledgeable hosts and accompanied by delicious sweet treats.  Advance booking is required at Cha Ology where you are guaranteed the aroma of real Japanese tea along with the opportunity to relax and be uplifted.